New Leader of Air Mobility Affirms Commitment to Carry Forward Changes in Command's Evolving Structure
Air Mobility Command's New Top Dog, Gen. John D. Lamontagne, Steps Up to the Plate
Sept 9 marked the start of an era for Air Mobility Command (AMC), as Gen. John D. Lamontagne took the reins from Gen. Mike Minihan, promising to carry on the command's relentless pursuit of readiness in the face of escalating tensions in the Pacific.
As the freshly-minted four-star general settles into his new role at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., he leads over almost 107,000 troops and civilians who execute daily transport and aerial refueling missions across the globe.
In his speech at the change of command ceremony, Gen. Lamontagne drew a line between the tactical difficulties modern Airmen face and the battles their predecessors fought in World War II. Despite resource limitations and adverse conditions, troops in the past emerged victorious, he noted, and the current Air Force is no exception.
"We fight tonight and win tonight with what we have tonight," Lamontagne declared. "We will also have an eye to the future so that our successors will also ensure the ability to project power anywhere around the world, in the face of any adversary, at the time and place of our choosing."
Managing the operational demands of worldwide conflict responses, humanitarian aid, and strategic training initiatives while prioritizing the health and well-being of his troops and their families will be no small feat for Gen. Lamontagne.
During the past year alone, AMC has supported airlifting aid to Gaza, conducted humanitarian missions in Haiti, and facilitated the withdrawal of U.S. forces from both Chad and Niger. Simultaneously, long-term initiatives seek to redefine the scope of Air Force squadron deployments and test the limits with adversaries like China and Russia.
Gen. Lamontagne, a seasoned airlift pilot, comes with a distinguished career that includes Term as the deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and various command roles across the mobility enterprise and Joint Staff. Key figures at the ceremony echoed that his illustrious background prepares him to continue leading a nimble, adaptable command that can swiftly transport troops and equipment anywhere in the world.
"We've got a lot more work to do," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin stated. "Gen. Lamontagne's going to take us there."
Gen. Minihan, who graces AMC with his departure after a distinguished 30-year career, is retiring in the Fold. Known for his booming voice and tender kindnesses to troops and their families, "Mini," a lifelong C-130 Hercules airlift pilot, has served as AMC leader since October 2021.
During his tenure, Minihan has emphasized a call to heart for a mission bigger than oneself as the Air Force turns its gaze toward the Pacific. Over the previous three years, he has ordered units to ensure readiness for the vast Pacific, highlighted the importance of mental health, encouraged troops to bend rules to speed missions, and embraced the troubled KC-46 Pegasus tanker, all while contemplating future aircraft that might blur the lines between airlifters and tankers.
"I stand here, reluctant and defiant, that this is my last act in uniform," Minihan reminisced. "I've been judged excessive."
"The greatest gift warriors can give to one another is the gift of respect," he concluded. "You have mine, always."
According to his predecessor, U.S. Transportation Command boss Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, Gen. Minihan led the command with a steady hand during tumultuous times.
"He brought an ardor he wore on his sleeve… which empowered others to do the same," Allvin commended. "He had a passion for the mission, and a drive and character that was contagious and prompted people to follow."
As Minihan steps into civilian life, the services chief pledged to continue his push for more realistic training that exposes where the Air Force is prepared for war—and where it still falls short.
"You can't win in battle if you can't get there, and you can't sustain the fight," Allvin stated. "The joint force is awakening to this reality. This will be a defining characteristic of Gen. Mike Minihan's [and Ashley’s] time here."
Insights from Enrichment:
- The AMC's strategy emphasizes modernizing aeromedical evacuation operations, swiftly integrating innovative technology to counter emerging threats, and sustainably deploying and fighting joint forces worldwide.
- Major current challenges include capacity and equipment shortages for aeromedical evacuations, rising security threats such as unauthorized drone activity, and the need for agile, rapid deployment and seamless joint force coordination.
- Key initiatives include intensive collaboration with industry partners, maximizing the use of AI, and improving joint operation effectiveness through specialized roles, like Air Mobility Liaison Officers.
- Gen. John D. Lamontagne, as the new leader of Air Mobility Command (AMC), will oversee both military and civilian personnel, totaling almost 107,000, in executing daily transport and aerial refueling missions across the globe.
- Despite the challenges in modern conflicts, Gen. Lamontagne believes in the Air Force's ability to win, echoing the resilience of previous troops who emerged victorious under adverse conditions.
- In addition to managing worldwide conflict responses, humanitarian aid, and strategic training initiatives, Gen. Lamontagne will prioritize the health and well-being of his troops and their families, a responsibility that will demand resilience and adaptability.
- The AMC's focus on modernizing aeromedical evacuation operations, integrating innovative technology, and deploying joint forces more sustainably must overcome current challenges such as capacity and equipment shortages, unauthorized drone activity, and the need for seamless joint force coordination.
- The outgoing AMC leader, Gen. Mike Minihan, is noted for his impactful leadership, emphasizing a mission-focused mindset, mental health, and agility in adapting to emerging threats, all while maintaining a steady hand during turbulent times.
